Alcatel A50 review

The Alcatel A50 currently has an Informr score of 5.9 out of 10.
This score is based on our evaluation of 10
sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

No

OS

OS

No

1.5 GHz

Processor

Processor

1.5 GHz

5.2"

Screen Size

Screen Size

5.2"

13+ MP

Camera

Camera

13+ MP

2800 mAh

Battery

What the Critics Are Saying...

The A50 is a great entry-level phone that is inoffensive in all the right ways.

- Sameer Chhabra, Mobile Syrup

While the Light Show and Colour Changer apps offer something new to mobile technology, the A5 itself doesn’t do much to excite phone users. I’ve found more negative aspects of the phone rather than positive and that’s just not how you want to feel about a phone that looks as neat a...

- Jolene D'silva, Absolute Geeks

The A50 has good intentions, but veers off the road into a hellscape of bad execution. It delivers an uneven experience that make it a highly questionable purchase. On its own, without the SnapBak attachments, the hardware is acceptable for such a low-cost device. The components are put together wel...

- Eric M. Zeman, Phone Scoop

Alcatel has the right thing in mind with the Alcatel A50. Not only is this a solid all around device that will satisfy most users looking for a no frills yet multifunctional smartphone.

- Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla, Canadian Reviewer

Alcatel is still taking a gimmicky approach to the budget Android phone market, but a flashy LED array fails to mask a long list of distinctly disappointing compromises.

Prices (Where to Buy)

Common Questions

The A50 price will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. You can compare Alcatel A50 prices from around the web here on The Informr.

If your A50 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Alcatel support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Alcatel's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.

Critic Reviews

A great budget smartphone, that gets the job done -- eventually

The A50 is a great starter smartphone. It’s perfect for parents looking to buy their middle school-aged children an inexpensive, but capable phone. It’s a perfect replacement for lost or damaged devices.

The A50 is a great starter smartphone. It’s perfect for parents looking to buy their middle school-aged children an inexpensive, but capable phone. It’s a perfect replacement for lost or damaged devices.

Colourful yet underwhelming

While the Light Show and Colour Changer apps offer something new to mobile technology, the A5 itself doesn’t do much to excite phone users. I’ve found more negative aspects of the phone rather than positive and that’s just not how you want to feel about a phone that looks as neat as the A5 does.

While the Light Show and Colour Changer apps offer something new to mobile technology, the A5 itself doesn’t do much to excite phone users. I’ve found more negative aspects of the phone rather than positive and that’s just not how you want to feel about a phone that looks as neat as the A5 does.

The A50 has good intentions, but veers off the road into a hellscape of bad execution. It delivers an uneven experience that make it a highly questionable purchase. On its own, without the SnapBak attachments, the hardware is acceptable for such a low-cost device. The components are put together...More

The A50 has good intentions, but veers off the road into a hellscape of bad execution. It delivers an uneven experience that make it a highly questionable purchase. On its own, without the SnapBak attachments, the hardware is acceptable for such a low-cost device. The components are put together well enough, and the footprint isn't so bad. The display is sub-par, voice performance was so-so, and data performance was just acceptable. Battery life was a bright spot.

An affordable Amazon Prime-subsidized phone that lets you use unique modular backs

The Alcatel A50 is more interesting than most $100 phones. If you're sold on the modularity gimmick it might be worth it, but keep in mind that only the LightUp cover is available right now. The Motorola Moto E4 isn't quite as exciting, but it offers compatibility with more carriers and better ca...More

The Alcatel A50 is more interesting than most $100 phones. If you're sold on the modularity gimmick it might be worth it, but keep in mind that only the LightUp cover is available right now. The Motorola Moto E4 isn't quite as exciting, but it offers compatibility with more carriers and better camera performance, making it a bit more well-rounded.

The phone underneath is a bit of a stinker

The A5 LED is a fun gimmick, tacked onto a bad phone - the opposite of what you might expect with a high-concept mobile like this. Its back looks pretty good when the lights are off, and there are enough light modes for it to work like a cheesy mobile DJ at house parties. But it fails as a normal phone, though.

The A5 LED is a fun gimmick, tacked onto a bad phone - the opposite of what you might expect with a high-concept mobile like this. Its back looks pretty good when the lights are off, and there are enough light modes for it to work like a cheesy mobile DJ at house parties. But it fails as a normal phone, though.

Brings a touch of modularity

For just $100, the Alcatel A50 is an impressive offering, bringing some level of modularity to an affordable price range. With reasonably fast performance, expandable storage, and USB-C, the A50 could even be a decent backup phone in case you lose your flagship.

For just $100, the Alcatel A50 is an impressive offering, bringing some level of modularity to an affordable price range. With reasonably fast performance, expandable storage, and USB-C, the A50 could even be a decent backup phone in case you lose your flagship.

User Reviews

decent battery life, decent speed

the snap back accessory add ons are pretty cool but I only see myself using the extended battery option. With this option the phone lasts a long time...maybe a couple of days of average use. The light attachment is alright and I don't see myself using the speaker option at all.

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